Triplett chosen as interim King Co. executive

By CHRIS GRYGIEL, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

Published 10:00 pm, Sunday, May 17, 2009

Kurt Triplett was chosen Monday to be the interim King County executive by County Council members who decided that sticking with Ron Sims' former chief of staff was the best move during a difficult time.

"What we need right now is stability," said Councilwoman Julia Patterson, noting that voters in November will choose a permanent successor to Sims, the long-time county executive who just left to join President Barack Obama's administration. Triplett has said he will not run for the office.

The final vote was unanimous, though serious consideration was given to former Seattle Mayor Charles Royer. In interviewing for the job Royer, who was the favored candidate of a blue ribbon panel that assisted council members in the selection, stressed that a change from the Sims' era was necessary.

But ultimately the council decided that Triplett, a longtime county employee who was Sims' top aide for more than five years, was most familiar with the challenges facing the county.

"What we don't need right now is change," Patterson said. "That change is definitely going to come in November...there's going to be a profound change in the executive branch when the people of King County elect their new executive."

Triplett must immediately begin preparing an operating budget for 2010, a task made more difficult by a deficit that could reach $50 million. The executive manges 14,000 employees in one of the nation's largest counties.

In a statement, Triplett said: "This government faces extraordinary challenges regarding the budget and public health and safety in the next six months. I believe the continuity in governing that I bring to the office as Executive Sims' Chief of Staff for the last five years will be a benefit to the people of King County... I pledge an open, collaborative relationship with our regional partners, our council and our citizens as we tackle the tough issues and deliver a sound budget and a well-functioning government to the executive that is elected in November."